For adults seeking clarity, context and a better understanding of lifelong patterns.
Adults pursue autism assessment for many reasons. You may have always felt different socially, found sensory environments overwhelming, relied heavily on routines, developed intense interests or found that social interaction requires conscious effort.
For some adults, questions arise after a family member is diagnosed. For others, increasing demands at work, in relationships or in daily life make longstanding patterns more difficult to compensate for.
Adult autism assessment: £1,495. See all prices. Not sure where to start? Book a free 10-minute call.
Adult autism assessment looks at development as well as current experiences. The clinician may explore childhood, education, relationships, communication, routines, sensory experiences, interests, work and day-to-day functioning. Supporting information from someone who knew you earlier in life can be useful where available.
A person does not need to fit a stereotype to explore assessment. People can have friendships, careers, families and strong communication skills while still experiencing clinically relevant autistic differences.
Following assessment, the findings should be explained in understandable language. Where autism is identified, recommendations may relate to self-understanding, sensory needs, communication, workplace adjustments, relationships and appropriate support.
Where the diagnostic criteria are not met, the assessment remains focused on providing an evidence-based conclusion rather than a predetermined diagnosis.
If you are also experiencing significant attention
Impulsivity or executive-function difficulties, ask about our combined ADHD and autism assessment pathway.
Not sure if this sounds like you? Try our free two-minute adult autism self-check.
Common reasons adults seek an autism assessment
Social exhaustion
Finding socialising draining, even when you enjoy it, and needing a long time alone to recover.
Sensory overwhelm
Struggling with noise, bright lights, crowds or certain textures, especially at work or on public transport.
A need for routine
Feeling unsettled by unexpected change, and relying on routines to get through the day.
Always feeling different
A lifelong sense of not quite fitting in, despite trying hard to.
Burnout
Periods of exhaustion and reduced ability to cope after long stretches of masking.
A family diagnosis
Recognising yourself after a child or relative is diagnosed.
Autism and masking in adults
Many autistic adults have spent years masking: copying other people’s social behaviour, rehearsing conversations and hiding discomfort in order to fit in. Masking can make autism much harder for others to see, and it often comes at a significant cost to wellbeing. A good assessment looks beyond how you present on the day to understand the effort behind it.
What happens in an adult autism assessment
Your clinician will explore your development and childhood, your current experiences of communication, relationships, routines, interests and sensory differences, and how these affect your work, home life and wellbeing. Information from someone who knew you as a child can be helpful, but it is not always essential.
What can help your assessment
- Real examples from everyday life
- Someone who knew you in childhood, if possible
- Old school reports or previous assessments
- Notes about sensory experiences and routines
Adult autism assessment: £1,495. If you also recognise ADHD traits, a combined assessment costs £2,195, which is less than booking both separately.
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth being assessed for autism as an adult?
That is a personal choice. Many adults find that a diagnosis helps them understand themselves, explain their needs and access adjustments at work or in education.
Do my parents need to be involved?
Information about your early development is helpful, but if no one is available, your clinician will explain how the assessment can still go ahead.
Can I be autistic and have ADHD?
Yes. The two often occur together. A combined assessment looks at both.
Will a diagnosis appear on my medical records?
Only if you choose to share your report with your GP. Your report belongs to you.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can book directly with 101 Clinic, in person in Edgware or online.
Ready to find out more?
Adult autism assessments cost £1,495 and child assessments £1,795. No GP referral needed.
Book an assessment or ask us a question
Tell us a little about what you need and our team will get back to you. Prefer to talk? Call 0207 11 80 707 or 07478 101 101.
Not sure where to start? Book a free 10-minute call
Your details are kept confidential and used only to respond to your enquiry.